Can't argue with that analysis. The Government website [https://www.gov.uk/calculate-child-maintenance] still uses the net income method of calculation, and the regulations you refer to are still draft.

Just about everything is out of date at the moment, and no-one seems to know what is happening or when.

I have read different things about "other relevant children" in official documents. In one it appeared that the criterion was receipt of child benefit, another referred to a "family based arrangement".

I think the idea is that a permanent state of confusion, plus a charge for the child maintenance "service", is exactly what's needed to ensure that everyone makes their own arrangements and lives happily ever after.

The CSA limit used to be £2000 a week net pay. Since its moved to a gross income calculation I can't recall what it is now - could be £3k gross but will be similar. Pension contribs no longer affect the calculation now it's based on gross income.

Thanks Collaborate! Is there any specifics to get more than csa rates? Would his salary need to be above a certain threshold? And suppose his pension contributions are excessive for his age? Isn't this depriving his child?

Hi all! I have been lurking around for a long time and finally decided to ask for some help.Am Living in central London with my 3 children 6/10/11Y and my latest son's dad. Things have fallen apart but we are still civilised. I am working full time on a 20k basis and 120k on his side. We're cohabiting since 2005 and he has paid for all of the bills. I am thinking of moving out of our 3000£/mth rental flat with the kids, CSA calculator suggests 1040/mth and Housing benefit is 1250/mth. Am not sure I will be able to make it!Is there any chance a schedule 1 claim could help me? He's got no savings/assets and even has 10k£ debt on a Credit Card. I recon he gets 5500£ roughly per mth. Would it be unfair to ask for more? I feel guilty that my previous partner is unable to help for his 2 daughters and the fact that we have been nicely looked after in the last 7 years.(forgot to mention all the kids are a the local state school and I am driving his car on a daily basis)Any thougts welcome!